18th Century Colonial Playing Cards

This reproduction deck of 18-century 3-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ cards, printed on matte, heavy-weight, aged card stock, includes 52 four-suited playing cards. The card backs are blank as they were until the 19th century when Thomas DeLa Rue & Co. introduced the printed back to discourage poker players from “marking the cards”. Packaged in a resealable poly bag.The history of playing cards dates can be traced back to mid 15th century. However, in that era, importing foreign cards was considered illegal. The reason may be that the cards included pictures of the Kings and Queens in the respective country.The history of playing cards dates can be traced back to mid 15th century. However, in that era, importing foreign cards was considered illegal. The reason may be that the cards included pictures of the Kings and Queens in the respective country.